Obit: Brandt, Barbara J. (1929 - 2011)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon

Email: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Brandt, Rekstad, Gillum, Lahner, Miller

----Source: Thorp Courier (Thorp, Clark Co., WI.) December 14, 2011

Brandt, Barbara J. (27 November 1929 –9 December 2011)

Barbara J. Brandt, 82, of Eau Claire, died Friday, December 9, 2011, at Dove Healthcare West in Eau Claire.

Barb was born in Grand Rapids, MI on November 27, 1929, to John and Bertha (Rekstad) Gillum.  Barb graduated from Eau Claire Senior High in 1947. She graduated from Eau Claire State Teacher’s College with a degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Library Science in 1951.  After teaching one year in New Auburn, Barb chose to stay at home and raise her four children.  In 1967, she returned to work at UWEC as a librarian for 31 years until retiring in 1998.

Barb was united in marriage to Donald E. Brandt at First Congregational Church in Eau Claire on December 26, 1952. Barb was a lifetime member of First Lutheran Church.

Barb is survived by her daughters: Kathleen (Michael) Lahner of Eau Claire and Jean Brandt of Green River, WY; son, John (Jill) Brandt of Altoona; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband in 2004; her parents; and her son, Kurt.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, December 13, 2011, at First Lutheran Church, 1005 Oxford Ave., Eau Claire with Pastor Scott Miller officiating. Burial was at Lutheran Church Cemetery in Eau Claire. Friends and family called from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. prior to the service at church.  Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral and Cremation Services served her family.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorials be directed to First Lutheran Church, 1005 Oxford Ave., Eau Claire, WI 54703, Luther Bible Camp, P. O. Box 153, Chetek, WI 54728, or to the donor’s choice.

To express condolences online, please visit obituaries at  www.lenmarkfh.com.